Top 10 Manila ballers make cut in Jr. NBA Regionals

A participant showing the coaches he got skills in shooting.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Basketball fever is still on as kids all over Metro Manila trooped the Xavier Gym in San Juan for the Jr. NBA Camp x Regional Selections last March 26. With the top ballers from Bacolod, Laguna and Visayas all set, the best from Manila/NCR will complete the cast for the Jr. NBA National Training Camp happening on April 9-11. Teens and kids have to go through different challenges if they wanna make the cut to rep Manila.

Choosing the best in Manila are based not only with their skills but also the players discipline and personality on and off the court. It's very competitive and at the same time fun for the kids that joined the camp. PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa stressed to the participants that playing hoops is fine and dandy as long as they finish their education. After all, basketball will always be around but getting a good a future ain't as easy as shooting a 15-foot jump shot.

Getting past his man: He scores an easy layup against his defender.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

While some can't help but be in a competitive mood the Jr NBA teaches kids how to respect not only the game but also their peers and/or competitors. Essentially, values are the most important these youngins have to learn in the game of basketball. Pretty much food for thought to anyone who loves the game.

Ain't no stopping him getting the rock!
(Photo by Roy Afable)

After all the challenges were done, the top 40 were announced first. The kids that made it in the top 40 is an achievement in their own right and their parents couldn't be more proud of them making it to the list. Being a part of the 40 best ballers in Manila ain't a bad thing actually.

We're the best: Thumbs for the top 10 ballers of Manila/NCR.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

With the top 40 done, choosing the kids to rep Manila is by far the toughest on the part of Coaches Jama Mahlalela and Jojo Lastimosa. It was nerve racking for the participants especially the top 40 hoping to make it to magic number 10. U can't blame them of course. Then the Coach Jama did the honors of naming the 10 best ballers to rep Manila/NCR. Those that made the cut are definitely well deserved of the honor.

Here's the list of ballers of the Manila/NCR selection:

Kobe Lorenzo Paras - La Salle Greenhills
Tsaddy John Tabaldo - La Salle Greenhills
Bouyer Airam Aseron - San Sebastian College
Lorenzo Ferdinand Navarro - San Sebastian College
Jarrell Lim - Xavier School
Aleck John A. Melecio - De La Salle Zobel
Alfred Sajulga - De La Salle Zobel
Chino Manuel Mosqueda - San Beda College
Ferdinand Ravena III - Ateneo De Manila University
Justine Oliver Serrano - Malayan High School of Science (Mapua)

Now that the Regional Selections are complete, these young ballers will meet for the National Training Camp in a few days. NBA Legend and Ironman AC Green will be joining the camp, plus the announcement of the Jr. NBA Awards like the Jr. NBA MVP, All Star Player of the Game, Rising S.T.A.R., Sportsmanship, Hustle and the first ever Coach of the Year.

Props to all the young cats that made it to the Regionals.

For more info on the Jr. NBA National Training Camp, visit Jr. NBA Philippines' Official site.